Iran Raps Terrorist Attacks in Baghdad, Istanbul
Qassemi on Sunday expressed sympathy with the Iraqi and Turkish governments and nations and families of the victims and strongly condemned the acts of terrorism.
He regretted that instrumental use of terrorism and extremism by certain sides has caused this ominous phenomenon to continue.
Qassemi underlined that the only way to fight terrorism is through unanimity and unity of all countries against the phenomenon.
He expressed hope that through the vigilance and determination of all nations and governments, the world will be free of violence and terrorism in the new year of 2017.
On Saturday morning, two explosions rocked the central part of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, killing at least 28 people, according to police and medics.
The blasts hit a market in the Al-Sinek area in Baghdad in the rush hour on Saturday morning. The first blast appears to have been from explosives planted in a car. The second one seems to have gone off when an individual detonated an explosive vest when first responders had arrived to rescue the victims from the first explosion.
At least 54 others were also injured in the blasts.
Also, at least 39 people were killed and 69 others wounded in an armed attack on a nightclub in Turkey’s Istanbul.
According to reports, the gunman, wearing a Santa Claus costume, killed a police officer and a civilian before he entered the Reina club and opened fire at the people who were celebrating the New Year in the early hours of Sunday.
According to Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, 21 of the victims have been identified, of whom 16 are foreign nationals and five are Turks.
Four of the wounded are in critical condition, said the official, adding, "The search for the terrorist continues... I hope (the assailant) will be captured quickly, God willing.”
